A new oxidation system using nitrite oxidants

The oxidative reactions using alkyl nitrites (RONO) as oxidant have been developed by Ube Industries, Ltd. The substrates such as CO and/or unsaturated-and/or carbonyl-compounds are oxidized by RONO over the palladium catalyst with no contact of molecular oxygen. Dialkyl carbonates, dialkyl oxalates and other useful chemicals are synthesized efficiently under moderate conditions by this alkyl nitrite technology.